REVIEW: Sinners Moon - Atlantis

Sinners Moon - AtlantisInverse Records

There is no lack of Symphonic Metal. Thanks to the likes of Nightwish, Leaves Eyes, Within Temptation, Epica, and countless more, there is just about as many Symphonic Metal bands out there are as there is Pornography. Sadly, it takes a lot for any of them to gather the steam that any of the aforementioned bands have. So most rely on shameless copying or uninspired attempts at individuality (i.e. Epica's god-awful 'rough vocal' inclusions). So, as a rule I'm extra-tough when it comes to these bands. They have to really be something else for me to give them that final word.

Sinners Moon comes off as what you'd expect from a Symphonic band. I could never get away with saying they bring anything especially new to the genre - but almost every other band of this ilk is guilty of the same thing. They do, however, bring a really refreshing energy to the whole experience that I don't really feel with any other band happening right now. Everything has that young energetic edge that Annette Olzon did when she was part of Nightwish. Sadly, female vocalist Simona doesn't do too much outside of the norm - at times, it feels as if shes about to do some accentuation but she doesn't really do anything wholly unique. And this is a bit of a shame considering the early tracks have a lot of extreme metal influences going on. 'Growl' Vocalist Derick has such a great handle on his chosen style that its a shame to see his presence somewhat falter on so many tracks - we want more Derek!

Oddly, Atlantis gets a pretty spectacular track with Guest Vocalist Tonny Kakko of Sonata Arctica. This track 'My Servant' is honestly a huge draw point to this album. In fact, the two prior tracks 'Pray For The Child' and 'Falls Of The Neverland' had me thinking the album was gearing up for completion, as they were generally dull as dirt, until this one came along. Sadly, again, Derick is somewhat pushed to the background - despite the fact that he provides a great contrast to Tonny Kakko as compared to the female vocals, which at this point on the album were getting so grating to me I had to take a break.

Potential is abound on this release. Sinners Moon has all the pieces of a great album and band but they played it far too safe on this one. Hell, if Simona had done anything besides what was completely expected - and the band utilized their defining trait (aka Derick) then this would've been something to make a splash. I sense that this band needs to find their own unique direction. Until then, I'll be watching patently in anticipation for a monumental Sinners Moon release.